Monetizing gene therapy assets

With gene therapy moving more slowly than its proponents ever expected, companies are looking for ways to monetize their viral vector assets. Oxford BioMedica plc's solution is the formation of a new gene discovery division that will allow the company to enter the genomics field with gene identification and target validation. The new division maximizes the use of OXB's lentiviral vector technology, originally developed as a delivery system for gene therapy. OXB expects the division to pull in revenues directly through partnerships and licensing agreements, while also feeding the in-house gene therapy program with new genes and targets.

The ability to monetize its assets is particularly relevant to Oxford BioMedica (LSE:OXB, Oxford, U.K.), which ended last year with only £3 million in cash and raised £5 million in January. The company last week raised another £8.5 million ($12.8 million) to establish the new division, which has two subunits, both using OXB's LentiVector gene delivery technology...